Best Marketing Automation Software for Small Businesses

Marketing automation software is a tool that has become indispensable for small businesses. These platforms streamline and automate marketing tasks, allowing businesses to engage with their customers more effectively while saving time and resources.

Finding the best marketing automation software for your small business can be overwhelming due to the large number of options available.

Each platform offers unique features tailored to different business needs.

This article will explore the top marketing automation tools specifically designed for small businesses, considering factors like affordability, ease of use, and essential features.

10 Best Marketing Automation Software For Small Businesses

1. GoHighLevel

Go High Level is a comprehensive CRM and marketing automation platform that caters to small businesses by offering an all-in-one solution.

It consolidates various tools that businesses typically need, such as CRM, email marketing, SMS marketing, and more, into a single platform.

This eliminates the need for multiple subscriptions and simplifies marketing management. It also offers white label marketing automation tools that helps businesses and agencies offer customized services to their clients.

Key Features

CRM Integration: GoHighLevel provides a robust CRM that integrates seamlessly with other marketing tools, allowing businesses to manage leads, clients, and communications in one place.
Funnel Builder: The platform offers a drag-and-drop funnel builder to create and optimize sales funnels without needing technical expertise.
Email and SMS Marketing: GoHighLevel automates email and SMS campaigns, enabling businesses to reach their audience through multiple channels.
Reputation Management: This feature helps businesses monitor and improve their online reputation by aggregating reviews and feedback from various platforms.
Appointment Scheduling: Integrated calendar and scheduling tools make it easy to manage appointments and follow-ups.
Membership Sites: GoHighLevel also allows businesses to create and manage membership sites, offering an additional revenue stream.
Automation Triggers: Businesses can set up automated workflows based on triggers such as form submissions, email opens, or website visits.

Unique Benefits

All-in-One Solution: Combines multiple tools into one platform, reducing the need for separate software subscriptions.
User-Friendly Interface: Designed with small businesses in mind, it offers an intuitive interface that doesn’t require technical skills.
Cost-Effective: By consolidating tools, GoHighLevel provides excellent value for money.
Scalable: Grows with your business, offering advanced features as your needs evolve.
Dedicated Support: Offers extensive support and resources, including training videos and a community forum.

Pros

Comprehensive suite of tools in one platform.
Easy to use with minimal technical knowledge.
Customizable workflows and automations.
Strong CRM capabilities.
Affordable pricing compared to purchasing separate tools.

Cons

Steeper learning curve for beginners.
Limited third-party integrations compared to other platforms.

Pricing

GoHighLevel offers three pricing plans:

Agency Starter Account: $97/month, suitable for a single account.
Agency Unlimited Account: $297/month, allows for multiple sub-accounts, ideal for agencies.
HighLevel SaaS Pro: $497/month, includes a white-label reselling feature.

2. GetResponse

GetResponse is a versatile marketing automation tool designed to cater to small businesses with its wide range of features.

Originally known for its email marketing capabilities, GetResponse has evolved into an all-in-one platform that includes automation, webinars, landing pages, and more.

Key Features

Email Marketing: GetResponse offers advanced email marketing tools, including autoresponders, list segmentation, and A/B testing.
Marketing Automation: The platform allows users to create complex automation workflows with a drag-and-drop builder.
Webinars: Unique among marketing automation tools, GetResponse includes a webinar platform, allowing businesses to host and manage online events.
Landing Pages: GetResponse provides a landing page builder with a variety of templates optimized for conversions.
E-commerce Integration: Integrates with popular e-commerce platforms, making it easier to sell products and services online.
Analytics and Reporting: Offers detailed analytics to track the performance of your campaigns and optimize them accordingly.
Conversion Funnels: GetResponse helps businesses create end-to-end sales funnels, from lead generation to final sale.

Unique Benefits

Webinar Integration: Unlike many competitors, GetResponse integrates webinars directly into its platform.
Comprehensive Automation: Its advanced automation features are on par with more expensive tools, making it a great value.
User-Friendly: The intuitive interface is accessible for beginners, with plenty of tutorials and resources.
Strong Email Capabilities: Known for its powerful email marketing tools, including automation, templates, and analytics.
Flexible Pricing: Offers a range of plans to suit different business needs and budgets.

Pros

All-in-one solution with webinars, landing pages, and email marketing.
Advanced automation workflows.
E-commerce integrations.
Robust analytics and reporting tools.
Cost-effective pricing.

Cons

Limited CRM features compared to dedicated CRM platforms.
Webinar feature is only available in higher-tier plans.

Pricing

GetResponse offers several pricing tiers:

Basic: Starting at $15/month for up to 1,000 contacts, including email marketing and autoresponders.
Plus: Starting at $49/month, adds marketing automation, webinars (up to 100 attendees), and sales funnels.
Professional: Starting at $99/month, includes unlimited automation and webinars (up to 300 attendees).
Max: Custom pricing for advanced features and larger teams.

3. Systeme.io

Systeme.io is an all-in-one marketing platform designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

It combines various tools needed to run an online business, including email marketing, sales funnels, and membership sites, into one easy-to-use platform.

Key Features

Sales Funnels: Systeme.io offers an intuitive funnel builder, enabling users to create and manage sales funnels with ease.
Email Marketing: Integrated email marketing tools allow for automation, list management, and campaign tracking.
Membership Sites: Create and manage membership sites with recurring payments directly through the platform.
Online Courses: Sell and deliver online courses with built-in tools for course creation and student management.
Affiliate Program Management: Systeme.io includes tools for setting up and managing affiliate programs.
Webinars: Conduct live or automated webinars to engage with your audience.
Automation: Set up automated workflows to nurture leads and drive conversions without manual intervention.

Unique Benefits

Affordable: One of the most cost-effective all-in-one marketing platforms available.
All-in-One Solution: Eliminates the need for multiple tools, reducing complexity and cost.
Easy to Use: Designed for non-technical users, with a simple interface and drag-and-drop builders.
Comprehensive Feature Set: Offers everything needed to run an online business, from sales funnels to membership sites.
Scalable: Suitable for both small businesses and growing enterprises.

Pros

Extremely affordable pricing.
Comprehensive set of features.
User-friendly interface.
Built-in affiliate management tools.
Flexible automation capabilities.

Cons

Limited integrations with third-party apps.
Basic design customization options compared to other platforms.

Pricing

Systeme.io offers straightforward pricing:

Free Plan: Includes up to 2,000 contacts, 3 sales funnels, and unlimited emails.
Startup: $27/month, adds more funnels, automation rules, and email campaigns.
Webinar: $47/month, includes up to 5,000 contacts and unlimited webinars.
Enterprise: $97/month, for larger businesses needing more features and contacts.

4. HubSpot

HubSpot is a powerhouse in the marketing automation space, known for its comprehensive tools that cater to businesses of all sizes.

For small businesses, HubSpot’s marketing automation software offers robust features that are accessible and scalable, making it an ideal choice for those looking to grow.

Key Features

CRM Integration: HubSpot offers a free CRM that integrates seamlessly with its marketing automation tools.
Email Marketing: Advanced email marketing features include personalization, segmentation, and automation workflows.
Lead Scoring: HubSpot uses lead scoring to prioritize leads based on their engagement and likelihood to convert.
Landing Pages: The platform includes a drag-and-drop landing page builder with A/B testing capabilities.
Social Media Management: Schedule, publish, and analyze social media posts directly from HubSpot.
Analytics: Detailed analytics and reporting help businesses understand the performance of their marketing campaigns.
Sales and Service Tools: HubSpot offers tools for sales and customer service, providing a complete customer lifecycle management solution.

Unique Benefits

Free CRM: HubSpot’s CRM is free and integrates fully with its marketing tools, providing a comprehensive solution.
Comprehensive Features: Offers everything from email marketing to social media management and beyond.
Scalable: Grows with your business, with features that cater to both small teams and large enterprises.
User Community: Extensive resources, training, and a vibrant community of users and experts.
Seamless Integration: Integrates well with a wide range of third-party apps and services.

Pros

All-in-one platform with integrated CRM.
User-friendly with a minimal learning curve.
Free tier available, with ample features for small businesses.
Excellent customer support and resources.
Strong third-party integrations.

Cons

Pricing can become expensive as you scale.
Some advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans.

Pricing

HubSpot offers a range of pricing options:

Free Tools: Includes CRM, email marketing, and some automation features.
Starter: Starting at $45/month, adds more features like form building, ad management, and more.
Professional: Starting at $800/month, offers advanced automation, reporting, and additional tools.
Enterprise: Starting at $3,200/month, designed for larger businesses with advanced needs.

5. Constant Contact

Constant Contact has long been a staple in the world of email marketing, particularly for small businesses.

Over the years, it has expanded its offerings to include marketing automation, making it a strong contender for small businesses looking to streamline their marketing efforts.

Key Features

Email Marketing: Constant Contact is renowned for its powerful and user-friendly email marketing tools.
List Management: Includes tools for segmenting and managing contact lists to ensure targeted communication.
Automation: Automate welcome emails, birthday messages, and other communications to engage customers without manual effort.
Social Media Tools: Manage and schedule posts across multiple social media platforms.
Event Management: Unique event marketing tools to manage invitations, registrations, and reminders.
Surveys and Polls: Collect customer feedback with built-in survey and poll tools.
Reporting: Detailed reports on email performance, social media engagement, and more.

Unique Benefits

User-Friendly: Known for its ease of use, making it accessible for small businesses with limited technical expertise.
Strong Customer Support: Provides excellent customer support, including phone support, live chat, and a vast library of resources.
Integrated Event Management: Offers tools specifically designed for event marketing, a unique feature among marketing automation platforms.
Comprehensive Email Tools: Despite its simplicity, it offers a powerful suite of email marketing tools.
Affordable: Offers a lower price point compared to many competitors, making it an attractive option for small businesses.

Pros

Extremely user-friendly interface.
Strong focus on email marketing with robust features.
Integrated tools for event marketing.
Excellent customer support.
Affordable pricing for small businesses.

Cons

Limited automation features compared to some competitors.
Less flexibility in design and customization.

Pricing

Constant Contact’s pricing is straightforward:

Core: Starting at $12/month for basic email marketing tools.
Plus: Starting at $45/month, includes automation features, dynamic content, and more advanced tools.

6. Keap

Keap is designed to be more than just a marketing automation tool—it’s a complete sales and marketing platform.

It combines CRM, email marketing, and e-commerce features into one robust package, making it ideal for small businesses with complex needs.

Key Features

CRM: Infusionsoft’s CRM is deeply integrated with its marketing automation tools, offering a unified experience for managing contacts and leads.
Email Marketing: Advanced email marketing features include triggers, segmentation, and detailed analytics.
Sales Automation: Automate follow-ups, lead nurturing, and other sales processes to streamline your sales funnel.
E-commerce Integration: Integrates with e-commerce platforms, allowing for automated sales and marketing processes.
Landing Pages: Create and customize landing pages designed to convert leads into customers.
Pipeline Management: Visual pipeline management tools help businesses track deals and sales progress.
Analytics and Reporting: Offers detailed insights into the performance of your marketing and sales efforts.

Unique Benefits

Integrated Sales and Marketing: Combines CRM, marketing, and sales tools into one platform, reducing the need for multiple subscriptions.
Advanced Automation: Infusionsoft’s automation capabilities are among the most advanced in the industry, offering detailed workflows and triggers.
E-commerce Ready: Ideal for businesses that sell products online, thanks to its deep e-commerce integrations.
Customizable Workflows: Highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the platform to their specific needs.
Strong Lead Management: Provides powerful tools for managing and nurturing leads throughout the sales funnel.

Pros

Comprehensive all-in-one platform.
Advanced automation and CRM integration.
Strong e-commerce and sales tools.
Customizable workflows and processes.
Detailed analytics and reporting.

Cons

Steeper learning curve.
Pricing can be high for small businesses.

Pricing

Infusionsoft by Keap offers the following pricing plans:

Lite: Starting at $79/month, includes basic CRM and email marketing.
Pro: Starting at $169/month, adds advanced automation and sales pipeline tools.
Max: Starting at $199/month, includes all features plus e-commerce integration.

7. Zoho

Zoho is a well-known name in the small business software space, offering a wide range of tools, including CRM, email marketing, and marketing automation.

Zoho’s marketing automation tools are designed to integrate seamlessly with its CRM, making it a powerful option for small businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.

Key Features

Email Marketing: Zoho’s email marketing tools include automation, segmentation, and detailed reporting.
CRM Integration: Zoho CRM integrates fully with its marketing automation tools, offering a unified platform for managing customer relationships.
Lead Scoring: Automate the lead scoring process to prioritize leads based on their engagement and likelihood to convert.
Social Media Marketing: Schedule and manage social media posts, and track their performance.
Web Forms: Create custom web forms to capture leads directly into Zoho CRM.
Marketing Campaigns: Run and manage multi-channel marketing campaigns from a single platform.
Analytics and Reporting: Offers detailed analytics to track the performance of your marketing efforts.

Unique Benefits

Seamless Integration: Zoho’s tools are designed to work together, providing a seamless experience across CRM, marketing, and sales.
Comprehensive Features: Offers a wide range of features that can compete with more expensive tools.
Affordable: Zoho’s pricing is competitive, making it accessible for small businesses.
Customizable: Highly customizable workflows and automation options.
Global Presence: Zoho is a well-established brand with a global presence, offering support and resources worldwide.

Pros

Integrated CRM and marketing automation tools.
Affordable pricing plans.
Advanced automation and customization options.
Strong analytics and reporting.
Extensive third-party integrations.

Cons

Interface can be overwhelming for new users.
Limited customer support on lower-tier plans.

Pricing

Zoho offers several pricing plans:

Free: Includes basic CRM and email marketing features.
Standard: Starting at $14/month, adds more automation and customization options.
Professional: Starting at $23/month, includes advanced features like lead scoring and campaign management.
Enterprise: Starting at $40/month, designed for larger teams with more complex needs.

8. ActiveCampaign

ActiveCampaign is a leading marketing automation platform that focuses on email marketing, CRM, and automation.

It’s known for its robust automation capabilities, making it a popular choice among small businesses that need powerful yet affordable marketing tools.

Key Features

Email Marketing: ActiveCampaign offers advanced email marketing tools, including segmentation, personalization, and A/B testing.
Marketing Automation: Its automation builder is one of the most powerful in the industry, allowing for complex workflows and triggers.
CRM: Integrated CRM tools help businesses manage leads and customers directly within the platform.
Lead Scoring: Automate lead scoring to prioritize high-value leads.
Landing Pages: Create and optimize landing pages with built-in tools.
SMS Marketing: Reach your audience through SMS campaigns in addition to email.
Detailed Reporting: Offers in-depth reporting and analytics to track the success of your campaigns.

Unique Benefits

Advanced Automation: ActiveCampaign’s automation features are among the most advanced, allowing for highly detailed and customized workflows.
Strong Email Capabilities: Known for its powerful email marketing tools, including segmentation and personalization.
Integrated CRM: Combines CRM and marketing automation, providing a unified platform for managing customer relationships.
Scalable: Suitable for small businesses and can scale as your business grows.
User-Friendly Interface: Despite its powerful features, ActiveCampaign is designed to be user-friendly and accessible.

Pros

Industry-leading automation tools.
Strong email marketing features.
Integrated CRM for managing leads and customers.
Comprehensive reporting and analytics.
Flexible pricing plans for small businesses.

Cons

Can be expensive for businesses with large contact lists.
Learning curve for advanced features.
Limited customization options in lower-tier plans.

Pricing

ActiveCampaign offers four pricing plans:

Lite: Starting at $29/month for up to 1,000 contacts, includes basic email marketing and automation features.
Plus: Starting at $49/month, adds CRM, lead scoring, and SMS marketing.
Professional: Starting at $149/month, includes advanced automation, site messaging, and attribution reporting.
Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger businesses with more advanced needs.

9. Mailchimp

Mailchimp is one of the most popular email marketing platforms globally, especially among small businesses.

While it started as an email marketing service, it has evolved into an all-in-one marketing platform with automation, CRM, and even e-commerce tools.

Key Features

Email Marketing: Mailchimp’s core strength is its email marketing capabilities, including a wide range of templates, A/B testing, and segmentation.
Automation: Automate email campaigns, welcome messages, and follow-ups based on customer behavior.
CRM: Basic CRM features to manage and segment contacts effectively.
E-commerce Integration: Integrates with popular e-commerce platforms to sync customer data and automate marketing campaigns.
Landing Pages: Built-in tools for creating and optimizing landing pages.
Social Media Tools: Schedule and manage social media posts directly from the platform.
Analytics and Reporting: Comprehensive analytics to track the performance of email campaigns, social posts, and overall customer engagement.

Unique Benefits

User-Friendly: Known for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible for small businesses with little technical expertise.
Free Plan: Offers a generous free plan with essential features, perfect for startups and small businesses.
Versatile: Combines email marketing with social media management, CRM, and landing page creation.
Strong Community: Mailchimp has a vast user community and plenty of resources, including tutorials and support.
Scalable: While ideal for small businesses, Mailchimp can scale to meet the needs of larger enterprises.

Pros

Free plan available with essential features.
Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
Comprehensive email marketing tools.
Integrated e-commerce and CRM features.
Strong analytics and reporting tools.

Cons

Limited automation capabilities compared to specialized tools.
Can become expensive as your contact list grows.
Basic CRM compared to dedicated platforms.

Pricing

Mailchimp offers a range of pricing plans:

Free: Includes up to 500 contacts and basic email marketing features.
Essentials: Starting at $13/month, adds more templates, A/B testing, and 24/7 support.
Standard: Starting at $20/month, includes advanced automations, retargeting ads, and behavioral targeting.
Premium: Starting at $350/month, designed for large businesses with advanced needs, including comparative reports and multivariate testing.

10. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)

Brevo (formerly known as Sendinblue) is a comprehensive marketing automation platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses.

It offers a suite of tools for email marketing, SMS marketing, and automation, all at an affordable price point.

Key Features

Email Marketing: Brevo offers advanced email marketing tools, including a drag-and-drop editor, segmentation, and A/B testing.
Automation: Create complex automation workflows based on customer behavior and interactions.
SMS Marketing: Reach your audience via SMS campaigns, which can be integrated into your email marketing and automation workflows.
CRM: Includes a built-in CRM to manage contacts, track interactions, and segment your audience.
Transactional Emails: Send transactional emails with customizable templates and real-time reporting.
Landing Pages: Build and optimize landing pages with a user-friendly editor.
Analytics and Reporting: Offers detailed analytics to track the performance of your campaigns and optimize them accordingly.

Unique Benefits

Affordable Pricing: One of the most cost-effective platforms for small businesses, offering powerful features at a lower price point.
All-in-One Solution: Combines email, SMS, CRM, and marketing automation in one platform.
User-Friendly: Designed to be accessible to users of all skill levels, with a straightforward interface.
Scalable: Suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to larger enterprises.
Strong Customer Support: Offers excellent customer support, including live chat and phone support.

Pros

Affordable pricing plans.
Comprehensive marketing tools, including email, SMS, and CRM.
Easy-to-use interface with a low learning curve.
Strong automation features for the price.
Flexible and scalable for growing businesses.

Cons

Limited integrations compared to other platforms.
Design customization options can be somewhat basic.
Higher-tier features, like advanced reporting, are locked behind more expensive plans.

Pricing

Brevo offers several pricing options:

Free: Includes unlimited contacts, 300 emails per day, and basic email marketing tools.
Starter: Starting at $25/month, adds more advanced features like automation and A/B testing.
Business: Starting at $65/month, includes landing pages, phone support, and more advanced reporting.
Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger businesses with tailored needs, including priority support and dedicated account management.

Conclusion

This article was created to provide a comprehensive overview of the top 10 marketing automation software tools for small businesses, covering everything from key features to pricing.

Each tool has its strengths, making it crucial to assess your specific needs and choose the one that best fits your business.

Whether you’re a startup looking for a free solution or a growing enterprise in need of advanced features, there’s a marketing automation platform on this list that can help you achieve your goals.